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Boat trailer safety

Learn about towing equipment and how to adjust your driving while towing a boat.

Your boat is a getaway from the everyday. And your boat trailer gives you the freedom to make that getaway wherever your towing vehicle can take you. Before setting out for your favorite waterway, take a moment to learn a bit more about boat trailer safety.

How to choose a boat trailer

Towing safety begins by choosing the proper trailer for your boat's weight and size. Most trailers have a capacity plate that lists the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This figure will tell you if the trailer is rated to handle the total weight of your boat, motor, fuel and other onboard equipment. Make sure your trailer has a capacity greater than your total load; your load shouldn't exceed 85 percent of the trailer's total capacity.

Also, an ill-fitting trailer can lead to unbalanced loads, as well as hull damage. Choose a trailer that allows your boat's hull to fit snugly on the rollers and other contact points. If you have any questions about fit, discuss them with a qualified dealer.

Finally, you may want to consult the National Marine Manufacturers Association® (NMMA) list of certified trailer manufacturers. Trailer designs from listed companies are required to comply with industry standards and federal safety regulations.

Choosing your towing vehicle

As with your trailer, your vehicle and its hitch should be rated to handle the tow load. Check your vehicle owner's manual for towing information. If you have other questions, your vehicle or trailer's manufacturer can help you decide whether your vehicle and its hitch are up to the job.

Hitching up your boat trailer

The following steps will help make sure your boat trailer is securely fastened to your vehicle and ready for the road.

Distribute gear evenly in the boat for a balanced load.

Secure boat tie downs to ensure that the boat won't shift during transport.

Connect safety chains in a crisscross "X" pattern to the frame of the towing vehicle.

Connect trailer lighting cable to vehicle.

Check that all trailer lights are working.

If applicable, test trailer brakes and brake lights.

Check for proper vehicle and trailer tire pressure.

Check that all fasteners are properly tightened.

Drive safely while towing your boat

Driving with a loaded boat trailer is a special skill, one worth practicing in an empty parking lot and light traffic before taking to the open road. Keep in mind that towing a trailer will reduce acceleration rates, increase braking distances and make steering and handling less predictable. This means that the risks posed by hazards such as traffic, wind and hills are all multiplied. Learning how to handle your rig will help ensure that you and your crew enjoy a safe outing, both on land and on water.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.